|
We know that Ptah-Hotep was visir of Djedkara Isesi, the penultimate king of
the V dynasty. He became famous because he wrote a book of teachings, a
collection of precepts that was widely used in the schools of the country. The sold morality in the book of Ptah-Hotep’s maxims teach the respect for the order and hyerarchy, and was used to form the future royal functionaries. We know the text of Maxims through the Prisse papyrus (National Library in Paris). In these sayings, written about four-thousand and five hundred years ago, we find teaching of universal value. “Don’t be proud for what you know and don’t found
your confidence on your education. Accept the advices of the ignorant one as
those of the wise one’s Nobody reaches the apex in his own art, no artist
reaches perfection. A wise purpose is more rare than a precious gem, but you can
learn even by servants working at the millstone. If you are wise, build your
house and make a heart. |
